This easy spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a comforting homemade dinner made with simple ingredients. Ground beef is browned with onion and garlic, then simmered in tomato sauce and Italian seasonings to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Serve this homemade meat sauce over your favorite spaghetti and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. It is a simple family-friendly meal that works well for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, optional
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce With Ground Beef
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Make the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Stir everything together.
4. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally so the flavors can develop and the sauce thickens.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well.
6. Serve
Toss the spaghetti with some of the meat sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Sauce
Use ground beef with some fat for better flavor, but drain excess grease after browning. Letting the sauce simmer longer can also give it a richer taste. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.